WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1545/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Council. Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen
Date: 1997-05-05
Institutions: BREYER, European Parliament
Subjects: chemical product, dangerous substance, domestic animal, health risk, indemnification, insecticide, liability, proof, public health

C 76/40

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

11. 3. 98

(98/C 76/115)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1541/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council

(5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The  flea-repellant  Tiguvon  (Fenthion)  manufactured  by  Bayer  Leverkusen  can  be  administered  in  different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs
weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As the Commission was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I
would ask the Council to answer the following question as a matter of urgency:

In the Council(cid:146)s opinion, does Tiguvon comply with the EU authorizing directives?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.

(98/C 76/116)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1543/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council

(5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The  flea-repellant  Tiguvon  (Fenthion)  manufactured  by  Bayer  Leverkusen  can  be  administered  in  different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs
weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As the Commission was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I
would ask the Council to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

Which institution examines the mode of action of ethical and freely available antiparasitics, especially for their
harmlessness to humans and animals and their compatibility with the environment? Is the Council aware that
manufacturers wishing to continue marketing products registered before 1978 were required to submit the results
of all tests by the end of 1996? Did they do so? Is this governed by EU legislation? Were products authorized
after 1978 adequately tested?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.

(98/C 76/117)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1545/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council

(5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The  flea-repellant  Tiguvon  (Fenthion)  manufactured  by  Bayer  Leverkusen  can  be  administered  in  different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs
weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As the Commission was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I
would ask the Council to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

What  should  be  done  if  pet-owners  suffer  poisoning?  Who  takes  responsibility  for  chronic  damage  to  their
health? What arrangements exist for the settlement of claims? What evidence needs to be produced?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.